Former Nigel Martyn goalkeeper Nigel Martyn is enjoying an unexpected second sporting chapter after forcing his way into contention for the England Over-60s cricket team.
The former England football international, who won 23 caps for the Three Lions during his distinguished career, has returned to competitive cricket and is now targeting a future appearance at a senior Cricket World Cup.
Martyn, who represented clubs including Leeds United, Everton and Crystal Palace, recently attended England Over-60s cricket trials at Loughborough.
Martyn chasing rare sporting double
Only a handful of athletes have represented England in both football and cricket, with famous names such as Denis Compton, C. B. Fry and Arthur Milton achieving the feat.
Martyn could now move closer to joining that exclusive list.
The 59-year-old admitted the opportunity feels special after years away from cricket during his football career.
Professional goalkeepers were generally discouraged from playing cricket because of the risk of finger injuries, while Martyn’s football career eventually ended in 2006 because of a stress fracture in his ankle.
However, after receiving medical clearance in 2011, he returned to cricket and gradually worked his way back into competitive action.
Cornwall connection reopened cricket journey
Martyn currently plays club cricket for Scarcroft Cricket Club near Leeds and previously helped Knaresborough Cricket Club secure promotion to the North Yorkshire Premier Division alongside former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson.
His route into England seniors cricket began after reconnecting with former school cricket team-mate Sean Hooper, who encouraged him to represent Cornwall’s over-50s side.
Despite living in Yorkshire, Martyn regularly travelled nearly 800 miles round-trip to play county age-group cricket for Cornwall while also visiting family in the south-west.
Goalkeeping skills helping behind the stumps
Martyn now plays as a wicketkeeper and believes many of the skills developed during his football career have transferred naturally into cricket.
He revealed former England wicketkeepers Alan Knott and Bob Taylor were among his sporting inspirations growing up.
The ex-goalkeeper said hand-eye coordination developed from years of stopping footballs has helped him adapt quickly behind the stumps.
World Cup target remains alive
Although Martyn turns 60 in August and will miss this year’s Over-60s Cricket World Cup in Canada because of age eligibility rules, he remains determined to push for future selection.
He has already been included in the England Over-60s Lions set-up, which acts as a development squad for the full national side.
Martyn admitted the standard during recent trials surprised him, particularly the quality of batting and bowling among players in their 60s.
For now, the former England football international is simply enjoying the opportunity to compete again — but the dream of playing at a cricket World Cup remains firmly alive.
Discussion about this post